The Douglas road priority bus lanes are benefiting both transit users and drivers.
That's according to BC Transit, who's Planning Manager, James Wadsworth, says is saving people 10 to 15 minutes of travel time, depending on the time of day.
He adds they are exploring new projects, including a priority lane on the highway in View Royal and Colwood, and creating a southbound priority bus lane that starts at Tilicum and connects to the existing project at Tolmie street.
The bus lane has also yielded positive responses from other drivers. Assistant Director of Transportation at BC Transit, Brad Dellebure says "Traffic operations have been pretty steady post-construction. We're happy and comfortable with how the general purpose traffic is moving on the Douglas Corridor." He adds that not having buses merge in and out of traffic has made it easier for the rest of traffic.
Meanwhile, the Victoria Police Department are running an education campaign revolving around the lanes. The priority lane is reserved for buses and cyclists, and although cars can use it to make a turn, they are not allowed to travel in the lane down the road. Constable Matt Rutherford says they don't plan on issuing any tickets to drivers who disobey the rules during the education campaign, however it is up to the officer's discretion, and the $109 ticket could be given to an unauthorized user of the lane.